Stuart W. Bates 1925 – 2015

October 10, 1925 – November 26, 2015

Stu was born and grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Even as a young boy he was a hard worker and had after school and weekend jobs. Through his various jobs he learned the skills and knowledge that would keep him busy throughout his life. Stu could fix small engines, build wooden boats, put in the electrical and plumbing systems in a house, design and build furniture and he also loved to garden. Stu served in the Canadian Navy during 1944-45 on the Corvette H.M.C.S. Lachute which was part of the escort conveys between Canada and England during the war. When he was discharged at the end of the war he completed his high school education and eventually joined the RCMP in 1946 and was stationed in Whitehorse, Yukon in 1948. Stu met Ann Clendening in 1949 in Whitehorse, while she was working in the hotel to earn money for art school in New York City. They were married in 1952 and both children were born in the Yukon. They left the north in 1956 when Stu was transferred to Swift Current, Saskatchewan. After a couple of more moves he retired from the force in 1965. The family settled in Kamloops when Stu got a job with the BC Forest Service. He worked in the Regional and District offices and retired in 1986. Stu was never still for long and continued to be active hiking in the mountains, skiing, paddling down rivers in the canoes he made well into his 80’s. Stu and Ann moved up to Clearwater in 2001 where he died suddenly on Nov 26th. Stu leaves behind Ann, his wife of 63 years, son Wes, daughter Abbey, granddaughter Rae (Mark Galante) and three great granddaughters Rose, Suzanna and Eliza, nephew Jim Doak and two nieces Kathy Merideth and Margie Caparra.
Stu’s wishes are to be cremated. There will be no services at this time. The family will be having a Celebration of Life for Stuart in the spring. The family would like to thank the staff at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital for their care and kindness. Donations in memory of Stuart may be made to the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital Equipment fund, 640 Park Drive, Clearwater, BC. V0E 1N1. Condolences may be sent to the family online at NTFuneral.com

Condolence Messages

Ann and family, we are sorry to hear of your loss and hope you are comforted by the long life Stu lived and the great individual we knew him to be. Our time together in Kamloops was enriched vastly by your friendship and the activities we enjoyed together.

Dear Abbey and Ann and family and friends — we are saddened today to hear of your loss of such a wonderful friend — we may not have known Stu like you did however we are thankful and grateful in the fact that he did touch our lives occasionally over the years and shared a small part of himself with us leaving us with special memories of his kindness, thoughtfulness, strength, determination, compassion, sense of humour and many other qualities — “I think of heaven as a garden where I shall find again those dear ones who have made ‘my world’ somewhere over the rainbow where bluebirds fly” — take care of each other and may you find comfort in each other as the days go on and the years go by and may you often remember from the heart all the memories kept there to love and cherish which will become sweeter and richer with time — you are in our thoughts as we share in the sadness that is causing you all such pain and sorrow and grief — with our deepest heartfelt sympathy and sending healing hugs your way — Joyce and Bert (Walker)

Randy and I wish to extend to you and your family our condolences.
I am sure that my father Bill Harris from Carmacks would be saddened by news. My father and mother had many funny and memorable stories from your “Minto” posting. My father often talked about the great times he and Stu had in their many travels. My father and mother always spoke of their respect for Stu and the high standards and of course the discretion he used. Of course I was told of the many pranks and fun times that were achieved in such a small community.

Ann my condolences on the passing of Cpl Bates. I was a young boy growing up in Gull Lake Saskatchewan and played with Wes when Stu was the Corporal in charge of Gull Lake detachment. I was very impressed with Stu and the RCMP as a young boy and have to say it was a great influence on me later joining the RCMP, having a great career. I was also big fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and you painted the lighting bolts on my so that I looked just like the Bombers. One day I would walk around town as a Blue Bomber and the next put on my Red corduroy jacket, rubber boots and Boy Scout stetson and was a Mountie. Thanks for the memories.

Ann and Abbey & family, I am sort of out of the Loop of Clearwater, living up in the Park and not getting down to often. I was so saddened to hear that Stu has left us. He was such a sweet uplifting person. Always making me laugh. Good sense of humor he had. He was such a kind hearted person like you both also. I still use and will always cherish the Birch wood rocker he made me back when. Will miss him. And I will stop in one day soon. Loves and hugs to you all.